Yukon premier hits up U.S. for Alaska Highway money

Yukon Premier DarrellPasloski is in Washington, D.C., this week speaking with members of the U.S. Congress and Senate about reinstating annual funds for reconstruction ofthe Alaska Highway.

The United States had been providing the money as part of the 1977 ShakwakAgreementwith Canada until 2012.

Pasloski saysthe United States has been getting a pretty good deal, and it's their responsibility to continue the funding.

"Canada, Yukon, British Columbia, haveput approximately $1.5 billion into the Alaska Highway. The U.S. has committed about $460 million, so that's a little less than 25 per cent," he says.

"I tell the senators and congressmen, 'Look, you've invested about 25per cent of the money into this highway, but 85per cent of traffic is U.S. traffic."

The premier says the cause has been well received by Republicans and Democrats and says he's received letters of support from labour organizations such as the Teamster's Union and American Trucker's Association.

He estimates it will still be two to three months before Yukoners hear back from American legislators.